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Ford To Drop AM Radio From Iconic Car - & This One's Not Electric
With all the stories here recently about electric vehicles not including AM because of too much interference, comes word that Ford is leaving the band out of another of its new cars. The difference this time? It's a gas-powered automobile and one of the most famous models the manufacturer ever released.
One version of the 2024 Ford Mustang will not include AM, even though there's no chance of any interference, because it's an internal combustion engine. It's the first time to my knowledge that the band won't be included in a regular gas guzzler.
It's another distressing blow for the band, which is already trying to stay afloat vs. FM and a host of streaming services, not to mention Sirius XM. The lack of AM has already attracted the attention of U.S. government officials, who fear it will cut people off from emergency announcements when they're needed the most.
The question now is will other automakers follow suit - and will future buyers care if they do?
2024 Ford Mustang Will Also Ditch AM Radio
- RadioActive
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Re: Ford To Drop AM Radio From Iconic Car - & This One's Not Electric
Speaking of Ford, it seems car makers never stop trying to figure out new ways to aggravate owners. Hearing "it has no plans to use the technology," doesn't inspire much confidence.
Ford wants to be able to shut down your air conditioner and radio if you miss a car payment—and the car could even drive away on its own
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Thread Starter- RadioActive
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Re: Ford To Drop AM Radio From Iconic Car - & This One's Not Electric
An update on this story - and it would seem to be more than just the Mustang. According to Radio World, when Ford was asked about why they removed AM from the longtime muscle car, they responded in a way that indicates that model is just the first of many.
In a statement, the carmaker says:
“A majority of U.S. AM stations, as well as a number of countries and automakers globally, are modernizing radio by offering internet streaming through mobile apps, FM, digital and satellite radio options. Ford will continue to offer these alternatives for customers to hear their favorite AM radio music, news and podcasts as we remove amplitude modulation — the definition of AM in this case — from most new and updated models we bring to market.”
So if the band is important to you, it appears that as far as Ford is concerned, AM is not Job One. I can only hope other auto manufacturers don't follow suit.
Ford Moves Away From AM More Emphatically
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Thread Starter- John D
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Re: Ford To Drop AM Radio From Iconic Car - & This One's Not Electric
For me 680 News is a must when I drive from the burbs to downtown. What happens to them? I find the station a necessity when driving in the GTA.
And don't get me started on the stop start button that kills your engine every time you stop at a light or stop sign.
Last edited by John D (March 16, 2023 11:33 am)
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Re: Ford To Drop AM Radio From Iconic Car - & This One's Not Electric
If your car has an HD Radio, 680 is on 92.5-2, while the Fan is at 92.5-3, so you'd still be able to get it.
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Thread Starter- RadioAaron
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Re: Ford To Drop AM Radio From Iconic Car - & This One's Not Electric
I can see a little more push-back in Canada than in the US. South of the border, sports radio has largely migrated to FM. And sports radio listeners have higher than average incomes and buy new cars more often. Yes, all of Canada's sports radio stations are on HD, but I'm not sure if that's a permanent solution.
As for the emergency argument, I don't buy it. If there's ever an emergency where radio is absolutely vital, the information will be on FM.
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Re: Ford To Drop AM Radio From Iconic Car - & This One's Not Electric
It would be interesting if HD could be adapted to map the sub-channels to virtual frequencies so AM stations could retain their brands and ease-of-use. (As OTA TV does now)
- Calhame
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Re: Ford To Drop AM Radio From Iconic Car - & This One's Not Electric
May be of interest
https://www.popsci.com/technology/am-radio-electric-vehicles/?amp
- Paul Jeffries
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Re: Ford To Drop AM Radio From Iconic Car - & This One's Not Electric
Another writer's perspective:
Is AM Radio Becoming the New Shortwave?
PJ
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Re: Ford To Drop AM Radio From Iconic Car - & This One's Not Electric
RadioAaron wrote:
I can see a little more push-back in Canada than in the US. South of the border, sports radio has largely migrated to FM. And sports radio listeners have higher than average incomes and buy new cars more often. Yes, all of Canada's sports radio stations are on HD, but I'm not sure if that's a permanent solution.
As for the emergency argument, I don't buy it. If there's ever an emergency where radio is absolutely vital, the information will be on FM.
It seems to depend on market and signal strength.
Buffalo NY is an example of a place that once had Sports Radio on FM @ 107.7, but it failed.
Sports radio could still go on 107.7, but current ownership won't do that.
I think it's a signal strength issue, but I am not sure.
(plus also enough trouble trying to figure out what to do with sister AM stations as is...)
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